General Comments:

This is a fun car to drive, Gas is amazing, can't beat the price. This car is great for 1-2 people in the car, up to 4 people you can walk faster then this will go. All in all if you are under bugit this is the car for you, Oil changes done on time, this car will keep on ZOOOOMING. Would I buy another, that is 100% YES.

1997 Mazda Protege LX 1.6 Liter from North America

Summary:

This car deserves a standing ovation for reliability and afford-ability

Faults:

The only thing that went wrong with my Protege is the Horn stopped working. This was about $250 to fix. Other than that it's a great car. The only button that is worn out is the #1 preset on my radio (favorite radio station).

General Comments:

It's reliable and fun to drive. It looks good and has great gas mileage. I love my Mazda Protege and I am thinking about buying a 2003 model in the very near future. Buying this car was the best financial decision I have ever made.

1997 Mazda Protege LX from North America

Summary:

Faults:

Had to have the oxygen sensor replaced within a week after buying the car, and the catalytic converter went bad as soon as the warranty expired.

Had to replace the master switch for the power windows.

General Comments:

Although the repairs are terribly expensive this was a good car - very reliable, fun to drive, safe, and great on gas (37 mpg on the highway). It handled very well for such a little car. I didn't have a lot of trouble with it considering I put almost 30,000 miles on it per year.

It did, however, become very uncomfortable on long trips. There was a lot of trunk space which was helpful.

The car was horrible in the snow; it sat so low to the ground that I was forever getting stuck. I recently totaled it during a snow storm when it slid off the road and hit a tree. The front end was completely wrecked and I walked away without so much as whiplash.

I would highly recommend this car if you can afford the expensive (albeit infrequent) repairs.

26th Jul 2004, 12:33

I own a 1997 Mazda Protege. In 2001 I had to spend ~$1900 to replace a fan, compressor and whatever goes with it. Last three years have been trouble free for these items.

Now, the catalytic converter sensor light (check engine warning light) comes on. I have taken it to reputable repair person twice and each time he has turned the warning light off. That was within two weeks of each incident. He had said that using the car with warning light may not hurt because each time it has been the catalytic converter sensor light. He did this without charge.

Now it is on again for the third time. I am using the car, but not sure if I should continue without replacing the catalytic converter.

1997 Mazda Protege SE 1.5 from North America

Summary:

Reliable family transportation

Faults:

I follow the dealers recommendations for servicing and what-not. As a result of this regular maintenance, I haven't had any problems at all. The only thing I have done is regular oil changes and tune-ups.

General Comments:

This car has served my family and I very well over the last two years. There is lots of trunk space and a surprising amount of interior room. It handles very well in the snow as well as in wet weather. I only have three complaints about it. The first is that there isn't quite enough power due to the 1.5 liter engine and it's pitiful 97 horsepower ability. The second is that the car does feel a wee bit sketchy at highway speeds over 140 kilometres per hour. The third complaint is that my bum gets numb and sore after extended trips. Apart from these minor complaints, the car has performed famously and I would definitely recommend it.

10th May 2001, 20:53

9th Aug 2001, 22:09

I am wondering if other '97 owners have had problems with the plastic covers on the door locks. Both of mine are broken (and the locks don't work), and I'd like Mazda to replace them even though my car is out of warranty. I've noticed that the newer models have metal covers... someone obviously realized that plastic covers are a bad idea.

I love my car... except for the door locks... and would probably buy another Protege. A great value for the price!